Managed Extinction describes the decline of wild salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest over the last 150 years. Many populations are presently on the verge of extinction, particularly in Idaho’s Snake River Basin. Widespread habitat alteration and mainstem dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers contributed to the decline of salmon and steelhead, but continued reliance on hatchery production to rebuild declining salmon runs rather than conservation measures has resulted in management leading to extinction. Restoration of imperiled upper basin salmon and steelhead populations requires removal of the four Lower Snake River dams, restoration of riverine ecological processes, and development of a new salmon management paradigm that focuses on ecological resilience and stewardship. "In Managed Extinction, fisheries scientists Rick Williams and Jim Lichatowich provide a new vision for management and recovery of imperiled Pacific Northwest salmon and steelhead populations. Using real examples of success along with recent science, the authors show that salmon and steelhead recovery is possible but will require major changes in salmon management. They present an ecologically based path to rebuild salmon and steelhead populations, including restoration of the Snake River and its irreplaceable spring/summer Chinook and summer steelhead. The well-written and researched book is invaluable and should influence concerned citizens, fisheries managers, and salmon management for years to come.” Kurt Beardslee Co-Founder (1989), Executive Director (1991-2023) The Wild Fish Conservancy